Summer is approaching, which means it’s time to step out of Melbourne and into a whole new world. Mapping Melbourne, an independent contemporary Asian Arts Festival, will take place this December and will feature over 100 artists from across Australia, Korea, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
You’ll be transported to a world of visual art, music, dance, and live performances that are bound to leave you breathless. If you’re in need of that creative spark, or you just need to escape in a moment of pure imagination, this festival is set to have you covered.
Organised by Multicultural Arts Victoria, the festival features the work of visual artists such as Mue Bond and his awe-inspiring exhibition, Street Connection, you’ll find yourself immersed in a strong depiction of his characters in this once in a lifetime workshop. For an intricate and timely portrayal of the lives and issues of the women of Indonesia, look no further than #Perempuan, an exhibition curated by Santy Saptari, in conjunction with Project 11. This promises to be a piece of illuminating work that can’t be missed.
Choosing from a wonderful selection of installations that will open your mind and heart, this year’s Dumpling Boy Temple, highlighting a holistic, pseudo-shaman space that will take inspiration from shamanism culture in contemporary Asia, blended with a mix of traditions and manufactured objects. MURTI guarantees to be an installation that will have you feeling astounded.
Featuring a large statue of revered Hindu icon, the Lingham, participants are presented with the opportunity to pour colourful and vibrant paint over the statue, in a nod to ritual and worship of today.
If you’re looking for to be transported to a whole new world of culture and visibility; The Embodied Landscape, which combines two cultures, Sampang Agung Centre for Performaing Arts (SACPA) from Pelem, East Java, and Wotjobaluk dancers from the Wimmera, in a stunning spectacle of dance, photographs and film, which will highlight the first nation footprint with a sense of beauty. For an exploration into the barriers and sexuality facing people of Indian heritage, Shoeb Ahmad’s musical performance im/modesty is set to be a triumph in enlightening their vulnerability and inspiration, experience through the voice of a proud transgender woman.
This year’s 16-day festival is a can’t miss that will leave you spellbound. Mapping Melbourne will be held across various location in Melbourne, from December 1-12, 2018. For more information on the event, program and ticket, please visit: www.multiculturalarts.com.au
